Gummy Capsule Activity

Introduction
Self-assembly is a common technique used in nanoscale science and technology in order to build
nanoparticles in well-defined constructions. These structures can be used in a wide variety of
materials. Self-assembly of nanoparticles has been used to build sensors to detect chemical and
biological molecules. It has also been used to create smaller computer chips with more
computing power.
Nanocapsules are one way in which scientists use self-assembly to fight diseases. Self-assembly
is used to make liposome structures which have an outside shell and a hollow interior that can be
used to store medicine. Using self-assembled nanocapsules can allow for targeted delivery
because the medicine is brought selectively to the tumor cells. This decreases the amount of
medicine you need compared to using regular sized pills. It also means less of the medicine gets
lost and enters healthy cells instead. This means less unwanted side effects from the medicine.
In this activity, a chemical reaction takes place once the liquid droplets come in contact with the
salt water. As the drops meet the saltwater, a polymer is formed. A polymer is made of repeating
smaller units -- like a chain is made of loops of metal. As the sodium alginate, a polysaccharide,
is added to the salt water, the short polymers of the alginate are bound into longer chains by the
calcium ions creating a capsule similar to a nanocapsule.

Materials
Sodium alginate liquid Water Thermometer
Calcium chloride Bowl (optional)
Potassium chloride Spoon
Aluminum chloride Sieve
Magnesium chloride Paper Towels


Procedure
1. Fill a bowl half full with warm water.
2. Add half a spoon full of calcium chloride and stir.
3. Place the sieve in the bowl of water.
4. Gently squeeze the bottle of sodium alginate so that individual droplets of liquid fall into
the bowl. Stir the water for 1 minute with your spoon.
5. Lift the sieve out of the water and collect the capsule (squishy gel) on it.
6. Feel/squeeze the capsule.
7. Try using steps 1-6 with a different salt.
What salt did you use?
Does it still work?


Questions to Consider
1. How did the gummy capsule feel?
slimey

a. What happened when you squeezed it?
It popped and water came out.

2. Did anything surprise you in this activity? If so, what?
responses may vary

3. What factors do you think played a role in the self-assembly of the gummy capsules?
Temperature, ionic charge (salt identity)


References
http://www.nisenet.org/sites/default/files/catalog/uploads/8879/fabricationgummy_guide_31oct1
1.pdf
http://blog.khymos.org/2007/03/30/first-experiments-with-sodium-alginate/
(this website shows you how to make the sodium alginate solution)